WHAT IS GASTROENTEROLOGY?

The word Gastroenterology is derived from the Ancient Greek words Gastros (stomach), Enteron (intestine) and Logos (reason). It is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study and treatment of diseases that affect the organs of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract from the mouth to the anus, including the liver and pancreas.

LIVER

The liver is a large organ weighing between 1.4 - 1.6 kg. It has a wide variety of functions including energy storage, protein production, metabolism of fats and toxins, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. The liver produces bile, which aids in the digestion of fats by emulsifying them in the small intestine. Common conditions that can affect the liver include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune liver disease, viral hepatitis and primary and secondary cancers of the liver.

PANCREAS

The pancreas is a secretory organ that produces both digestive enzymes and important hormones such as insulin. Pancreatic fluid containing digestive enzymes is released into the small intestine in response to eating. These enzymes further break down proteins, carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients before they are absorbed. Common conditions that can affect the pancreas include gallstone pancreatitis, pancreatic insufficiency and cancers of the pancreas.

GALLBLADDER

The gallbladder is a small pouch-like organ that stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. In response to a meal containing fat, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the duodenum. Common conditions that can affect the gallbladder include gallstones and infection (cholecystitis).

STOMACH

The stomach is a muscular bag made up of three parts, the fundus, the body and the antrum. The stomach produces acid, which aids digestion and acts as a defence against harmful microbes. The stomach also acts as a reservoir following a meal, releasing the partially digested meal in a slow and steady fashion into the small intestine. Common conditions that affect the stomach include gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease and cancers of the stomach.

APPENDIX

The appendix is a small blind ended tube arising from the first part of the colon (the caecum). Its function is unclear, some believe it is a redundant remnant from our primate ancestors, while others believe it is a repository for useful bacteria and has an immunomodulatory role. Common diseases of the appendix include appendicitis and carcinoid tumours.

SMALL INTESTINE

The small intestine is the long thin muscular tube extending from the stomach to the colon (large intestine). It comprises three parts, the duodenum, jejunum and ileum and ranges in length from 4.5m to 9.5m. Most of the digestion and absorption of food takes place in this part of the gastrointestinal tract. Common conditions that affect the small intestine include peptic ulcer disease (duodenum), coeliac disease, Crohn's disease and some infections. Cancers of the small intestine are relatively rare.

COLON

The colon (large bowel) is the final part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its main function is to remove water and salt from the waste matter of digestion before excretion. There is a vast number of bacteria (100 trillion) that reside in the colon. These bacteria help to ferment and extract nutrients that could not otherwise be harvested. Common conditions that can affect the colon include colonic polyps, diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and colorectal cancers.

What We Do?

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy (upper GI endoscopy) is a procedure that uses an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) to see inside the upper digestive tract – including the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) - Read More

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a procedure used to inspect the large bowel (colon) using a flexible tube called a colonoscope. During the procedure the colonoscope is inserted into the back passage and carefully fed through the colon and into the end of the small bowel (ileum) - Read More

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

A flexible sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that is used to see the inside of the sigmoid colon and rectum – the last part of the large bowel. A thin flexible tube is passed into the back passage into the lower colon (sigmoid colon). It is similar to, but not the same as, a colonoscopy - Read More

Consulations For Digestive & Hepatobiliary Disorders

Meet the Doctors

Dr. Oliver Duncan

Dr. Amanda Thomas

Azar B Nejad

Dr Simon Hazeldine

Dr. Sam Galhenage

Dr. Oliver (Ollie) Waters

About Us

Coastal Gastroenterology was established in 2013 by two gastroenterologists, Dr. Oliver (Ollie) Waters and Dr. Kenji So. The practice aims to provide a high quality and timely service for GPs and patients for the investigation and management of a broad range of digestive and hepatobiliary disorders - Read More

Why Us?

As a patient of Coastal Gastroenterology, you can expect a respectful, friendly and efficient service that will remove some of the stresses associated with medical consultations and investigations. You can be assured of confidentiality, expect to be provided with adequate information so that you understand the results of your procedure and/or consultation and that follow up care is arranged either with your GP or with your specialist.